Hockey’s Future Organizational Rankings, Spring 2010 21-30

By HF Staff

April 15th, 2010

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Below is the bottom third of the NHL organizations in terms of prospects as voted on by Hockey’s Future staff. Each team’s entire prospect pool was considered to determine the ranking. For reference, just the top five prospects are listed. To be eligible, a prospect must meet HF’s prospect criteria. The rankings are done twice a year, in the fall and spring.

Strengths: Erik Karlsson and Jared Cowen are two skilled but contrasting types of defensemen who highlight a deep and diverse group along the blue line. The Senators also have a nice collection of checkers, agitators, and two-way forwards such as Cody Bass and Zack Smith. Weaknesses: There are questions about whether some of the more skilled forwards such as Loui Caporusso and Jim O’Brien can contribute offensively at the NHL level. There is concern as to whether Ilya Zubov will ever again play in North America. Robin Lehner is the sole goaltending prospect in an organization that has historically had problems in net. Top 5 Prospects: 1. Erik Karlsson, D, 2. Jared Cowen, D, 3. Patrick Wiercioch, D, 4. Jim O’Brien, C, 5. Robin Lehner, G. Lost to graduation: Brian Lee, D, Brian Elliott, G, Peter Regin, C.

Strengths: Defense is the strong point of the Avalanche pool with five of their top seven prospects on the blue line. There are some intriguing prospects at center. Weaknesses: The wings lack both quality and quantity. Overall, many players at the top of the depth charts are not ready for the NHL, despite the need to rebuilld. The Avalanche have yet to see a payoff after trying to shore up goaltending depth. There have been several misses in this department. Top five prospects: 1. Kevin Shattenkirk, D, 2. Stefan Elliott, D, 3. Ryan Stoa, C, 4. Colby Cohen, D, 5. Tyson Barrie, D. Lost to graduation: Matt Duchene, C, Ryan O’Reilly, C, T.J. Galiardi, C, Chris Stewart, RW.

Strengths: The Flames have two skilled power forward prospects in Greg Nemisz and Mikael Backlund. On the blue line, defenseman Tim Erixon has the skills to develop into a top-four defenseman. The organization is also flush with moderately skilled checking forwards. Goaltender Leland Irving helps bring depth to the organization in net. Weaknesses: There is a lack of depth and quality on the blue line. Most prospects have limited potential and are not likely to make an impact at the NHL level. Top 5 Prospects: 1. Mikael Backlund, C, 2. Greg Nemisz, RW, 3. Tim Erixon, D, 4. John Negrin, D, 5. T.J. Brodie, D. Lost to trade: Keith Aulie, D.

Strengths: The Wild’s two top prospects, defensemen Tyler Cuma and Marco Scandella, are both defense-first players who were drafted with the philosophy of the previous Wild regime. Colton Gillies and Cody Almond fit this same mold, illustrating impressive defensive instincts but not much offensive potential. Matt Hackett is one Wild prospect who looks to have untapped potential, and could secure the starter’s job for Minnesota’s AHL affiliate as soon as next season. Weaknesses: There’s very little high-end offensive potential anywhere in the pipeline, with no prospects up front that are a safe bet to make their top-six, nor much offensive skill on the back end. With only one prospect at right wing, the Wild have a serious depth problem at that position. Also troubling is the lack of quality center and goaltending depth. Top 5 Prospects: 1. Tyler Cuma, D, 2. Marco Scandella, D, 3. Colton Gillies, LW, 4. Matt Hackett, G, 5. Maxim Noreau, D. Lost to trade: Nick Leddy, D.